Public Statements

Georgia To Benefit From 2010 National Defense Authorization Act

Press Release

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today praised the committee's approval of the 2010 National Defense Authorization Act, an annual bill that authorizes funding for our servicemen and women and their families, critical military construction projects at Georgia bases, as well as Georgia-made weapons systems. The 2010 National Defense Authorization Act was approved by the committee yesterday afternoon, and details of the bill were made public today. It now goes to the full Senate for consideration.

"I am proud to play a role in crafting this legislation each year. The provisions included in this bill address critical quality-of-life issues for our military men and women and their families who sacrifice every day for our national security." said Chambliss. "Additionally, I'm pleased the bill includes full funding for seven additional F-22s. In the past few months - and even in testimony before the Armed Services Committee - our Air Force leaders have consistently stated that there is a military requirement for more F-22s beyond the 187 that have been procured. I am pleased that a majority of my committee colleagues supported the effort to help meet this requirement."

Specifically, the bill authorizes $679.8 billion in funding for the U.S. Department of Defense. It provides a 3.4 percent pay raise for all military personnel across the board, authorizes a total of $163.5 billion for military personnel, including costs of pay, allowances, bonuses, death benefits, permanent change of station moves and health care. It also reauthorizes over 25 types of bonuses and special pays aimed at encouraging enlistment, reenlistment, and continued service by active-duty and reserve military personnel.